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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do research by letter or email?
Yes, but please use our email form. Click here for
email form.
If researching other topics, provide as much specific information as
For example, instead of asking for "anything you can tell me about
Roosevelt Dam," request information on its design, the individuals
who built it, or its environmental impact.
What are your policies for using your materials?
Because all of the items in our collections are irreplaceable, researchers
may use them only in the secure reading room. Free lockers are provided
for patrons' briefcases and purses, and photo identification is required.
Will you research a topic for me?
It is Division policy to limit research for an individual to thirty minutes.
For more extensive help, you may wish to contact a professional genealogist
or historian. We cannot locate missing people.
For professional historical research, contact us
for referrals.
Does the Arizona State Archives have wireless Internet access?
Yes, researchers with with laptops equipped with a wireless network card
can connect to the Internet.
Can I get photocopies?
Division staff will photocopy documents for you.
Fee Schedule for staff-assisted photocopies for on-site patrons
- 1-10 copies, $0.10 per copy
- 11-50 copies, $0.25 per copy
- 51-100 copies, $0.50 per copy
- 101- copies, $1.00 per copy
Copies from microfilm are self-serve at 10¢ per page.
Can you tell me if you have what I want before I drive all that
way?
It's always a good idea to contact us before you visit. Advance notice
allows us to prepare for your visit or perhaps save you a trip. Telephone:
(602) 926-3720 or email us.
Typical Researcher Questions And Answers
Do you have marriage licenses and divorce records?
Our county marriage and divorce records usually date to the late 1920s.
Otherwise the Superior Court, Civil Division, of the county in which a
couple was married or divorced should have those records. For addresses
of local government offices, check
here.
What information do you have about my great-grandfather John Smith?
We may have information about your great-grandfather. In order for us
to search our records, it helps us to know when your great-grandfather
lived here and the county in which he lived. It also helps when you tell
us the kind of record you are interested in such as: marriage, probate,
civil or criminal case and so on. We do not have an index of every name
for the state.
Can you help me trace my Indian heritage?
We do have microfilm of the 1900, 1910 and 1920 Federal Census for Arizona;
many Native Americans are included. We also have microfilmed older birth
and death records from the Vital Records Office of the Department of Health.
After approximately 1910, Native Americans are included in these records.
Most of the records for Arizona's reservations are located in the National
Archives and Records Administration Regional Branch:
National Archives and Records Administration
23123 Cajalco Road
Perris, CA 92570-7298
(951) 956-2000
Email
Contact the National Archives at Riverside
Contact the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs for tribal addresses,
1400 W. Washington, Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Phone: (602) 542-3123.
Fax: (602) 542-3223.
Can you tell me how much an old stock certificate is worth?
The Arizona Corporation Commission, Corporations Division, 1300 W. Washington,
Phoenix, AZ 85007 has the incorporation records of companies incorporated
in Arizona. Telephone: (602) 542-3026
I am looking for a friend of mine. Can you help me find him?
The majority of records we have are from the 1930s or before. We do not
have the kinds of information that can help people find missing friends or
family members.
I am adopted. Can you help me find my birth parents?
Adoption records are sealed in Arizona for 99 years, but a Confidential Intermediary
may be able to help you. The Arizona Supreme
Court administers the Confidential Intermediary.
Do you have photographs of people?
Most of the photographs in our collection are of places. While we do have
photographs with people in them, few of the people are identified. You
may contact our Archivist for Photograph Collections, Wendi Goen at (602) 926-3720 or email.
How can I find the legislative history of an Arizona bill?
There are a number of sources you will have to research, such as the Governor's
annual messages to the Legislature, the House and Senate legislative bills,
hearings on the bill, legislative committee reports and Senate and House
Journals. For current legislation, visit Arizona
Legislative Information Services on the internet. For earlier periods
in Arizona history, newspapers often contained debates and position statements
about various bills.
Can you look at a document/book/photograph and tell me how much
it is worth?
You will need to contact an appraiser. Check your local Yellow Pages or
visit the web site of the American
Society of Appraisers.
Can you tell me how to take care of my old photographs
and family papers?
Our staff provide information about how to care for these
items. You may contact us at (602) 926-3720. The person answering the phone will direct you to the appropriate contact.
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